Chef Leung is one of the most prominent Chinese chefs in the world. He has founded and heads the renowned modern Chinese dining concept Whampoa Club, which gave birth to two award winning restaurants located respectively at the Three on the Bund complex of Shanghai and at The Financial Street of Beijing. He is the recipient of numerous accolades, including the Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Science in 2000, ranking him as one of the ‘World’s Best Chefs’. He is the third among a handful of Chinese chefs to receive this award and stands alongside internationally recognised names such as Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Wolfgang Puck. The lauded Chef Leung, who has been responsible for multiple successful fine-dining Chinese restaurants in Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand, will now return to his adopted homeland as the mastermind of this new gourmet establishment.

Overhead, special attention is paid to the Teflon shelter extending over the structure. Dotted with a mesh of energy-saving LED lights, from a distance, it looks as if fireflies are hovering over the structure. In practical terms, Teflon is resistant to weathering, offers thermal insulation and low friction (so rainwater slides off easily without pooling).

On the ground level below the crystal core, guests will be able to savour international cuisine, including some local favourites, in the sidewalk bistro. The extended timber decks provide lovely respite. Stroll alongside Mother Nature and admire the elegant koi pond or take in marvellous views of the harbour and surrounding flora and fauna.

The finish of the new structure is based on a prima vera concept, which simply refers to how the natural look of the materials will serve as its decoration. The Latin term means primary veins and is used in relation to how the natural colours and veins in marble and natural stones are the decoration in themselves. Keeping materials raw and unfinished is logically sound since it helps minimise waste and is fitting with the theme of nature.

The timber used will be varnished to increase its longevity, but it will retain the natural grain patterns and tactile qualities. The floor of the crystal core will simply be kept as off-form concrete as a minimalistic reminder of its artificial quality mentioned previously. The glass walls will be unaffected save for discreet aluminium fins that creates dimension and which are also necessary for sieving out noise. The Teflon cover will be left a simple off-white to blend against the sky and to complement its mesh of tiny, twinkling lights.

The new structure will be a masterful extension to The Jewel Box and is as powerful and breathtaking as nature itself. Mount Faber Leisure Group has devoted much thought in the construction of the $7.5 million structure. The Jewel Box is constantly evolving as part of the Group’s effort to keep the iconic hilltop destination unique to its visitors. Says Mount Faber Leisure Group CEO Ms Susan Teh: “Tourism is one of Singapore’s most important industries and it is one that is increasingly sophisticated. As the country’s second most visited paid destination, it is important for us to keep innovating and remain relevant. This new creation will be another icon of this must-visit destination which will continue to attract international tourists and locals.”

Edited by Eugene Tang. Photographs by Eugene Tang and Mount Faber Leisure Group. All Rights Reserved.